Capping machine



A. PODEL CPPING MACHINE Filed'sept. 19,-151

Nov. 12, 1935.

' 6 Sheets-Sheet l Nov. 1935..

A.' PvoDAEL v 2,020,375

CAPPING MACHINE Filed sept. 19, 1931 e sheets-sheet 2 Q O f3 o Q o .1

INVENTOR graham-Pad "IHIl -IIIHWI i213 ATTORNEY Nw, m, m5. A. pomN www CAPPING MACHINE Filed sept. 19, 1951 's Smets-sheet 3 30 57 v 36 i L lgi! 9135 I 9 #99 y? i 35 4g` '7 Q6 111 3709 7 v Y 9 g 9 I L l l 1.3/- INVENTOR 2 ,.Abmimm Padel BY l ATTORNEY- NOV. 12, A. PODEL v CAPPING MACHINE Filed Sept. 19, 1931 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR wm am 1113 ATTORNEY Nov. 12, 1935. A. PDEL mmf/5 CAPPING MACHINE Filed Sept. 19,1931 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR lYbra//laz Padel Nov. i2, 1935. A PODEL 2,020,375

CAPPING MACHINE Filed sept. 19, `19:51 e sheets-sheet 6 l5 ATrORNEY Patented Nov. 12, 1935 UITE STAES PATENT OFFICE CAPPING MACHINE Application September 19, 1931, Serial No. 5.63,'701 28 Claims. (Cl. 22S-87) The present invention relates more particularly to a sealing machine for band caps and the like, but certain features of the invention are applicable, also, to other types of sealing ma- 5 chines.

Glass containers vary in size by as much as several inches, and to a less extent in diameter. In addition, due to limitations of the machinery for manufacturing glass containers, the conlO tainers vary from a true standard both in size,

height and roundness. The permissible irregularitieshave been definitely prescribed by the Glass Container Association, but in selecting and inspecting the ware, it is not always possible to keep Within the prescribed variations. A satisfactory commercial sealing machine should, therefore, be capable of accommodating a wide range of sizes of containers both in height and diameter. In addition, it should be readily ad- 20 justable for these different sizes without requiring skilled labor and Without requiring substantial time in making the change. In sealing band caps, the lower edge of the skirt is rolled under a shoulder on the glass container. The metal 25 is rolled directly against the glass. In is particularly important, therefore, that irregularities in the glass be taken care of by the machine Without occasioning breakage or undue strain on the container. Breakage not only causes loss J0 of the package and its contents, but also loss of time in stopping. the machine and cleaning up the broken glass and the contents of the package.

The present invention aims to provide an im- 35 proved sealing machine which eliminates, or,

greatly minimizes, the above dimculties by providing a very secure seal on containers varying a maximum amount from the prescribed standard and by providing a machine readily adjustable for various sizes of Ware, both in height and diameter. The present embodiment of the machine Will readily take care of bottles or jars ranging from tWo and one-half to ten inches in height, and from 45 one to three and seven-eighths inches in diameter. It will be understood that greater or less ranges in size of containers can be accommodated by extending the principles of the invention. The adjustment for various sizes is simple 50 and may be readily made by unskilled operators. The present invention also aims to simplify the construction of the machine and to minimize the cost thereof without sacrificing the advantages obtained.

55 An object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive sealing. machine adapted to seal. containers more effectively and efficiently than machines heretofore.

Another object of the invention is to increase the speed of sealing caps to containers, and to 5 simplify the mechanical and manual operations heretofore required.

Another object of the invention is to provide a sealing machine adapted to reform the skirt of a cap upon` a container, which can be readily 10 adjusted to accommodate caps and containers of various sizes.

Another object of the invention is to provide a sealing machine which is particularly adapted for sealing band caps upon containers.

A further object of the invention consists in the combination of elements and arrangement of parts adapted to achieve the objects enumerated above.

Other and further objects of the invention will be obvious upon an understanding of the illustrative embodiment about to be described, or will be indicated in the appended claims, and various advantages not referred to herein will occur to one skilled in the art upon employment of the invention in practice.

A preferred embodiment of the invention has been chosen for purposes of illustration and description and is shown in the accompanying drawings, `forming a part of the specification, wherein Fig. 1 is a side elevational view partly in section, illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged elevational view of the up- 35 per portion of the machine shown in Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is a sectional View taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional View taken along the line 4-02 of Fig. 3, illustrating the cam oper- 40 ating clutch;

Fig. 5 is a sectional View taken along the line 5-5 of Fig. l, illustrating the means for positioning the containers upon the sealing table;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional View taken along 45 the line 6 6 of Fig. 3, showing the gear mem.- bers for operating the spinning rollers;

Fig. '7 is an enlarged sectional View taken along *the line 1 1 oi.' Fig. 3, illustrating spinning rollers and their supports; Fig. 8 is a fragmentary side elevational view, partly in section, illustrating a cap being sealed upon a container;.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a preferred mechanism for operating the sealing means, certain parts being omitted for simplicity; and

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary disclosure of a modified construction for adjusting the movement of the spinning rollers.

Briefly described, the machine illustrated herein comprises a suitable base upon which the various parts are mounted and a column extending upwardly therefrom. A table adapted to support the containers during the sealing operation is secured to the column. Above the table there is provided a sealing head which is operatively connected to the supporting column and is adapted to move vertically. The sealing head comprises suitable spinning rollers which are adapted to move radially into and out of effective position at desired intervals, and are operated in timed relation by a suitable mechanism operatively connected to the main drive by means of gears and cam devices. For operating the machine, there is provided a foot pedal adap-ted t0 make the cam devices effective, and a hand lever adapted to control the driving means.

As shown in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the spinning rollers are adapted to constrict the lower edge of the skirt of a cap about a. suitable shoulder on a container. This is effected by placing the cap upon a container, pressing it downwardly thereon, and then moving the spinning rollers upwardly and inwardly into engagement with the lower edge of the cap. When band caps are used, as shown herein, the lower edge of the band is spun inwardly beyond the sealing zone of the container to hold it securely thereon. The present machine may be utilized for various other spinning operations.

Referring again to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. l, 2 and 3, there is shown a machine having a base I formed from a suitable casting adapted to be bolted to the floor or other suitable foundation. At the center of the base, there is provided a vertical column 2 mounted upon the base and having a shaft 4 extending upwardly therein and rotatably mounted upon a suitable ball bearing 5 supported by member 6 attached to the base portion I. At the upper end of the column 2, a. top portion 1 is provided, and a cylindrical casting 9, having a ange I0, is bolted thereto. The casting 9 is provided with a pair of internal bushings II adapted to receive the shaft 4 to hold it rotatably in position with respect to the column 2.

Any suitable means may be provided for rotating the shaft 4 and the associated devices, but as illustrated herein, (see Fig. 1), comprises a drive pulley I2 mounted upon a shaft I4 supported by a bracket I5 connected to the base I of the machine. For convenience, a hand wheel I6 is attached to the pulley I2 for the purpose of turning the machine over to test adjustments and to avoid breakage of parts improperly adjusted if the machine were started by the power drive. The pulley I2 may be belted to a power shaft, or, if desired, may be driven by a suitable motor. A shaft I1, extending through a bearing I9 secured to the base, is operatively connected to a suitable clutch mechanism 20 at one end thereof,- and the other end of the shaft I1 is provided with a bev-.

upper end of the column 2, and is operatively connected to a system of levers 23 to operate the clutch mechanism. The clutch lever I8 is positoned convenient to the operator so that the machine may be stopped instantly when desired.

Adjacent to the column 2, and substantially at the upper end thereof, a sealing mechanism 24 adapted to reciprocate vertically and support the sealing devices, is mounted upon the column 2 by means of a suitable supporting member 25 provided with an extension 26 adapted to slidably engage a groove 21 (see Fig. 4) formed in the column 2. A bracket` member 29 is attached to the supporting member 25, having a threaded aperture 28 at the upper end thereof adapted to receive a vertical shaft 3E) upon which the sealing devices are rotatably mounted. The shaft 3D is threaded to the bracket member 29 and is locked in position by a suitable nut SI, so that it is adapted to move vertically with the member 25. The lower end of the shaft has a sealing anvil 32 attached thereto, which is adapted to align and to press downwardly the caps to be sealed on the containers, and to hold them in position during the sealing operation.

A sleeve 34 is telescoped about and rotatably mounted with respect to the shaft 30, and extends substantially along the entire length of the shaft. A ball bearing 35 is provided at the upper end of the member 25 for rotatably supporting the sleeve thereon to be driven through the intermediation of a gear 36 secured thereto. The gear 36 is adapted to mesh with a gear 31 connected to the upper end of the shaft 4, whereby the sleeve 34 is rotated. It will be noted that the gear 31 is substantially wider than the gear 33, whereby the sealing column 24 may be moved vertically without disturbing the relation of the gears 36 and 31.

At the lower end of the sleeve 34, above the anvil 32, a sealing head 39 is suitably secured thereto, which, preferably, comprises a suitable circular casting 40 having apertures 4I therein for pivotally mounting a plurality of spinning rollers 42.

In Figs. 3, 6, '7 and 9, the spinning rollers 42 and operating means are illustrated in detail. Although three spinning rollers are preferred, as shown herein, any number may be used. It is necessary to describe only one in detail, since they are alike and are operated simultaneously. The roller 42 (Fig. 9) is rotatably mounted upon a shaft 44 supported by a horizontal arm 45 having a bearing 46 therein adapted to receive the shaft 44. The shaft 44 is slidable with respect to the arm 45, but is held resiliently in position by a spring member 41 secured thereto at 49. The arm 45 is pivotally supported by a stub shaft 50 disposed' in the apertures 4I of the casing 40, and is rotatably mounted therein to facilitate the radial oscillation of the rollers about the stub shaft with respect to the central axis of the sealing column. An auxiliary arm 5I is connected to the lower end of the stub shaft 50, and is resiliently attached to the arm 45 by means of a spring member 52 (Fig. 7) adapted to absorb any shocks when the rollers are moved radially into engagement with the container to be sealed.

For oscillating the'stub shaft, a segment of a gear 54, extending radially inwardly, is secured to the upper end' of the stub shaft 59, which is adapted to engage a corresponding gear 6I and is adapted, on vertical movement, to oscillate the gear 54 to move the rollers 42 toward and away from the container to be sealed. A further description ofthe gear 6I is given hereinafter.

:iii

A casingV 55 ls rotatably mounted above the spinning head 39 about the sleeve 34, but is adapted to slide vertically thereon. I'he casing 55 comprises an upper casting 58 and a lower casting 51, having flanges 59 and 60, respectively, which are adapted to be bolted together. The gear 6I, meshing with the gears 54, is keyed to the lower casting 5.1 and is adapted to be moved vertically with respect to the gears 54 to effect rotation of the gears 54 to open and close the spinning rolls to seal the caps to containers. To facilitate the above operation, inclined gears may be utilized to rotate the stub shafts radially inwardly during relative downward movement and radially outwardly during upward movement.

It will be noted that the radial movement of the spinning rollers 42 depends upon the effective rotation between the gear 6l and the gear members 54. Since it is desirable to utilize the spinning rollers for sealing caps upon containers varylng in size, the radial movement of the spinning rollers must be adjustable. To accomplish this, a device is provided for determining the proper circumferential position of the gear members prior to and after the relative movement thereof, that is, to adjust the effective position of the rollers for caps varying in diameter.

In the preferred embodiment, (see Figs. 3 and 4) there is shown a gear 62 secured to the sleeve 34 in the casing 55 provided by the flanges 59 and 60. A plurality of vertical shafts or pins 64 extend through apertures provided in the horizontal portions of the members 59 and 69, and are provided with a bolt head 55 adapted to be engaged by a wrench or other suitable tool. Pinion gears 66 are keyed to the shafts 64 within the casing, and engage the gear 52, whereby, if it is desired to rotate the casing 55 and gear 6| with respect to the sleeve 34 to adjust the rollers 42 for different sizes of containers, the shafts 64 may be rotated to turn the pinion gears 66 and the casing 55 about the sleeve 34 and gear 62. When the casing is in the desired position, the shafts 64 may be locked against accidental rotation by means of the lock nuts 61;

In Fig. 10 there is shown a slightly different device 69 for adjusting the gears 54 and 6| and the rollers 42, which device comprises an upper casting 19 and a lower casting 11, having horizontal flanges 'i2 and 14, respectively. 'I'he flange 12 of the upper casting is provided with circumferential slots 15 adapted to receive a plurality of bolts 16 threaded. to theflange 14 of the lower casting 1l. The slots facilitate 'the relative circumferential adjustment between the upper and lower casting members, whereby the angular position of gearY 6 l with respect to the gears 54, may be adjusted to give a corresponding adjustment of the spinning rollers 42 for different sizes of containers. The modified construction eliminates the use of gears 52 and 66, and simplies the adjustment for different sizes of containers.

In the preferred embodiment and in the construction shown in Fig. 10, the effective position of the gear 6I with respect to the segmental gears 54 is adjusted in a similar manner. In both instances, the gear 6l may be advanced or rotated in a clockwise direction whereby the gears 54 oscillate the rollers radially inwardly to facilitate engaging a smaller size cap. Upon operation of the head,V the gear 6I will engage gears 54 and rotate them inwardly said predetermined distance, but, by reason of the adjustment, the oscillation takes place further radially inwardly. Likewise. if a larger size cap is to be sealed upon 'a container, the gear 6| may be retarded or rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, whereby the gears 54, operating the rollers 42 oscillate further radially outwardly.

Referring again to Fig. 3, an annular recess 11, adaptedv to receive a suitable collar 18 rotatably secured thereto, is provided in the upper part 56 of the casing 55, To facilitate rotation of the member 56 therein, the collar 18 about member 56 is provided with an oil cup 19 for lubri'cating the recess 11. Preferably, a rod 80, for vertically reciprocating the casting, is slidably disposed in a suitable aperture or recess 8|, provided in the column supporting member 25, and is resiliently retained therein by a spring member 82. The lower end of the rod is coupled to the collar 18 at 83 and a cam roller 84 is provided at the upper end of the rod adapted to engage a suitable cam 85, which is rotated, by means of the shaft 4, at desired intervals controlled by the suitable clutch described hereinafter. In this manner, the casing 55 and associated devices are adapted to be moved vertically with respect to the sleeve 34 to operate the spinning rollers 42 to seal the containers presented, while at the same time, the casing is rotating together with the sleeve 34 about the shaft 30.

To facilitate the vertical movement of the entire sealing column 24 including the spinning rollers 42, there is provided a cam roller 86 pivoted to the member 25 ad'apted to engage a cam 81 which is rotatable with the cam 85. Since the surfaces of the cams 85 and 81 are not alike. the column 24 and the casing 55 and gear 6| are adapted to be reciprocated independently of and relatively to each other, whereby the cam 85 will effect the desired operation of the sealing devices as described hereinafter.

Referring more particularly to the cam constructions (see Figs. 3 and 4), there is shown a bearing 8 telescoped about the member 9 secured to the column 2, about which the cams 85 and 81 are mounted and adapted to be rotated. Preferably, the sealing column reciprocating cam 81 comprises a cylindrical cam provided with a dwell 88 wherein the roller 86 rides to reciprocate the sealing column. The operating cam 85, for the spinning rollers 42, is supported by the cam 81 and is bolted thereto in a predetermined manner so that the cams are effective to cooperate with each other at the beginning of and throughout the sealing operations. Preferably, the cam 85 comprises a disc member having a downwardly depending cam surface 89 against which the roller` v34 of the arm 89 is held by the spring 82.

In Figs. 3 and 4, there is illustrated a clutch mechanism for controlling the cams 85 and 81 comprising a disc member 90 which is bolted to the gear 3? and keyed to the shaft 4 to rotate therewith. The disc member 90 is provided with a plurality of slots 9| adapted to engage a suitable member 92 slidably mounted upon the upper cam member 85. It will be noted that when the extension 92 is in engagement with one of the slots 91, the cams 85 and 81 are connected to and rotate with the shaft 4. Since it is desirable to rotate the cams through one complete cycle for each sealing operation, so that the cams are always effective at the start ofthe cycle, it is necessary to Ydisengage'the slidable extension at the end of each complete revolution. To accomplish this, a suitable vertical reciprocating lever 93 is slidably vmounted on column 2 and is operated by a system of levers 94 connected to a foot pedal 95 or any other suitablecontrolling lever. An involute cam segment 96 is secured to the upper end ofthe lever 93, which is adapted to engage a circumferential depending portion 91 of the extension 92, to move the extension radially outwardly. In this manner, when the cams 85 and 81 have completed one revolution, the wedgeshaped cam 96 moves the extension 92 out of engagement with the disc 90, whereby rotation of the cams 85 and 81 ceases, unless the foot pedal has been held down, to repeat the sealing cycle. A suitable spring 98 returns the levers 93 and 94 and the cam 98 to their original position when the foot pedal 95 is released. In order to prevent rotation of the cams after they have been disconnected frorn the drive shaft by means of the clutch, a wedge-shaped member |03 is bolted to the upper end of lever 93 and is adapted to act as a brake against a corresponding Wedge-shaped member |09 bolted to the cam 85, whereby the cams are stopped when they have completed one revolution.

If it is desired to seal a container, the operator, by pushing the foot pedal 95 downwardly, pulls the lever 94 downwardly and moves the involute cam segment 98 out of engagement with the depending portion 91, whereby the spring member 99 pushes the extension radially inwardly to engage the succeeding slot 9|. The chief advantage of having several slots, is that the extension 92 moves into engagement with the rotating disc 90 almost immediately when it is released, thus eliminating delay in starting the operation of the sealing devices. Although four slots are shown herein, any desired number may be utilized with similar benecial results.

Substantially below the sealing devices, there is provided the platform (see Fig. l) adapted to support the containers to be sealed. The platform, preferably, is mounted upon an adjustable rod or support IOI connected to the column 2 by a pair of bracket members |02. The lower end of the sleeve is supported upon a rod |04 threaded into a suitable sleeve |05 bolted to the base I. A hand wheel |06 is keyed to the rod |04, whereby the rod may be rotated to raise and lower the rod IDI to adjust the height of the table. Preferably, the platform |00 is resiliently mounted upon the rod IOI through the intermediation of a spring |01 to minimize container breakage.

Fig. 5 illustrates, in detail, a preferred construction for centering the containers with respect to the sealing means. This device comprises a bracket |08 bolted to an upright extension secured to the table |00. The end portions II@ of the bracket |08 are bent transversely inwardly with respect to each other and are provided with threaded apertures III adapted to receive bolts II2 which extendl radially inward toward the container. 'Ihe bolt members |I2 are adapted to be adjusted to compensate for containers of different sizes by means of the lock nuts II3.

In the operation of the machine, adjustments are iirst made for the size of the containers to be sealed. The height of the platform |00 is adjusted to take care of the height of the containers, and the bolts I I 2 are adjusted for centering the containers. The gear 6I is adjusted by gears 64 (Fig. 3) to accommodate the diameter of the cap and container to be sealed. Thereafter, it is advisable to turn the machine over by the hand wheel I6 through at least one cycle to see if all the parts move freely. This test is made while both the clutch is effective and the foot pedal 95 is pushed downwardly. If the adjustments are satisfactory, the clutch 20 is released and the motor or other source of power is started to rotate the drive pulley I2. The hand lever I8 is then pulled downwardly to make the clutch 20 again effective and to rotate the 5 shaft 4, by means of the bevelled gears 2| and 22. Shaft 4 in turn rotates gear 31 which meshes with gear 36 to rotate the sleeve 34, the casting 55 and the spinning head 39.

The caps are then usually placed loosely upon 10 the containers by the operator, or, if desired, may be appliedby any suitable automatic cap feeding mechanism. After a cap has been applied upon a container, the container is placed on the platform |00 and is aligned with respect l5 to the sealing anvil 32 by means of the bolt members I I2. The foot pedal 95 is then pressed downwardly to operate the levers 93 and 94 and to release the extension 92 which then slides into engagement with a slot 9| of the disc 90, and starts 20 the rotation of the cams 85 and 81. Cam 81 is at once effective to move the sealing column 24 downwardly till the sealing anvil 32 rests upon the top of the cap and holds it securely upon the container. When the anvil has reached this position, the cam 85 becomes effective to move the rod 80 and the casting 55 and gear 6I downwardly, whereby the inclined gear teeth of gear 0| rotate gear 54 to move the spinning rollers 42 radially inwardly against the jar and cap to be 39 sealed. It will be noted that while the above operations are performed, the spinning head 39 is rotating continuously, and when the rollers are forced against the skirt of the cap by the gears 6I and 54, they constrict the lower edge of the skirt l of the cap inwardly under the shoulder of the container. When the spinning rollers are brought into their ultimate sealing position and the cap is sealed, the cam 85 raises the casting 55 to move the gear 6I upwardly to oscillate the roller 40 supporting devices outwardly and out of engagement with thecap, and the cam 81 is effective to raise the entire sealing column upwardly and away from the sealed package till it reaches its original position. The wedge-shaped cam 96, upon the completion of the revolution becomes effective to move the extension 92 out of engagement with the slot 9|, and the rotation of the cams 85 and 81 ceases. The sealed package is then removed and another is presented and the cycle of operation is repeated by again actuating the foot pedal 95. If the machine is to be stopped instantly, the hand lever I8 is moved upwardly to throw out the clutch 20.

As illustrated in the present embodiment, the sealing operations are upon a band cap, but it will be understood that the machine may readily be utilized for sealing other types of caps with slight changes therein. In some instances, it may be desirable that the spinning rollers be replaced by rollers which are adapted to reform a bead in a cap to constrict a rubber gasket or the like. This is easily accomplished as the rollers are interchangeably mounted upon the spinning head. If different sizes of caps are to be applied, the spinning rollers may be adjusted by the device shown either in Fig. 4 or Fig. l0.

It will be seen that the present invention provides an improved sealing machine which is adapted to seal either band caps or friction caps provided with a constrictable bead upon containers. The machine can be operated very rapidly, and is adapted to provide a secure seal upon the containers without breakage thereof. The cam devices and the spinning rollers are 15 readily adjustable to compensate for the size of caps and containers, and cooperate to attain the above advantages. The cam actuating clutch is simple in construction and insures the positive operation of the cams at the beginning of the sealing cycle whenever a cap is sealed uponv a container. The present machine is rugged in construction, and can withstand the rough usage to which it may be subjected. The operating and maintenance costs are reduced Vto a minimum, since one man can readily operate the machine and the parts thereof are not subjected to any great sealing strains, whereby very little power is required.

As various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without sacrioing any of its advantages, it is to be understood that all matter herein is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In a sealing machine, the combination of rotatable means, spinning rollers mounted on said means, said spinning rollers being adapted to oscillate inwardly a predetermined distance, and gear means for oscillating said rollers inwardly and outwardly to seal a cap upon a container, said gear means being rotatably adjustable to position said rollers for dilferent sizes of containers without changing the distance said rollers oscillate.

2. In a sealing machine, the combination of a supporting member, means for rotating said supporting member, a plurality of spinning rollers movably mounted on said supporting member, a gear having inclined teeth thereon operatively connected to said spinning rollers, and means for moving said gear axially to move said spinning rollers inwardly, to seal a cap upon a container.

3. In a sealing machine, the combination of a rotatable member, a supporting member on the end of said first member, a plurality of spinning rollers mounted on said supporting member, gears operatively connected to said spinning rollers, a gear adapted to engage and position said gears connected to said spinning rollers to adjust the position of said rollers, means for moving said last gear upwardly and downwardly to oscillate said gears and rollers inwardly and outwardly, and means for changing the circumferential position of said last gear to predetermine the position at which said rollers are oscillated inwardly and outwardly.

4. In a cap spinning machine, the combination of a supporting member, a plurality of means adapted to constrict a closure cap upon a container, means for supporting said first means, gear members operatively connected to said first means, a gear positioned radially with respect to said gear members and adapted to engage and oscillate said gear members and said constricting means inwardly, and means above said supporting member adapted to change the relative positions of said gear membersto determine the path of movement of said constricting means for accommodating diiferent sizes of caps.

5. In a sealingmachine, the combination of a drive shaft, a member on said shaft having a recess therein, a sealing head operatively connected to said drive shaft, said sealing head having a plurality of spinning rollers thereon, a cam `member mounted on said shaft operatively connected to said rollers, a clutch mechanism secured to said cam provided with a slidable mem- 5 ber adapted to engage the recess in said rst member to make said cam effective to operate said spinning rollers, and a second cam normally in the path of said slidable member adapted to engage said slidable member upon the completion of one revolution to move outwardly from said shaft. v

6. In a sealing machine, the combination of an upright column, a sealing head adjacent to said column, a rotatable shaft in said column, a member on said shaft having a plurality of recesses in the outer periphery thereof, a rotatable member mounted about said shaft, means slidably connected to said rotatable member adapted to engage one of said recesses in said first member, to make said rotatable member rotatable with said shaft, means secured to said rotatable member and operatively connected to said sealing head for operating said sealing head, and means for moving said slidable means out of engagement with said recess when said shaft has completed substantially one revolution.

7. In a sealing machine, the combination of an upright column, a sealing head adjacent to and slidably mounted on said column, a rotatable shaft on said column, a member secured to said shaft having recesses in the outer periphery thereof, a rotatable member mounted above said shaft, means slidably connected to said rotatable member adapted to engage one of said recesses in said first member to connect said rotatable member rotatably therewith, a cam secured to said rotatable member and operatively connected to said sealing head for raising and lowering said sealing head, and means for moving said slidable means out of engagement with said recess when said shaft has completed one revolution.

8. In a sealing machine, the combination of an upright column, a sealing head adjacent to and slidably mounted on said column, said sealing head being provided with a plurality of spinning rollers, a rotatable shaft in said column, a member secured to said shaft having a plurality of recesses therein, a rotatable member mounted above said shaft, means slidably connected to said rotatable member adapted to engage one of said recesses in said first member, to connect said rotatable member rotatably therewith, a cam secured to said rotatable member for raising and lowering said sealing head, a second cam secured to said first cam, means operatively connecting said second cam and said spinning rollers, whereby said second cam is effective to movevsaid spinning rollers radially inwardly and outwardly, and means for moving said slidable means out of engagement with said recess after one revolution has been completed.

9. In a sealing machine, the combination of a rotating sleeve, means on said sleeve for mounting a spinning tool, and a pair of gears having inclined teeth thereon for operating said spinning tool by axial movement thereof, said gears being adapted to adjust the position of said spinning tool for different sizes of containers by circumferential adjustment of their position.

10. In a sealing machine, the combination of va supporting member adapted to be rotated continuously, a plurality of spinning rollers mounted upon said supporting member, said spinning rollers being adapted to oscillate inwardly to engage and seal containers, a gear axially movable to move said rollers inwardly to seal a' container and rotatably adjustable to position rollers for different sizes `of containers.

11. In a sealing machine, the combination rof a supporting member, means for rotating said supporting member, a plurality of spinning rollers movably mounted on said supporting member, a gear having inclined teeth thereon operatively connected to said spinning rollers, means for moving said gear axially to move said spinning rollers inwardly for sealing a container, and means for rotating said gear to adjust the position of said rollers for different sizes of containers.

12. In a sealing machine, the combination of a supporting member, a plurality of spinning rollers pivotally mounted on said supporting member, a gear operatively connected to each of said spinning rollers, said gears having inclined teeth thereon, means for rotating said supporting member and said spinning rollers, means for lowering said supporting member into positionover a container, and a gear having inclined teeth thereon adapted to engage each of said first gears and rotate said first gears upon downward movement of said supporting member to move said spinning rollers inwardly to engage a closure cap on Ythe container and seal it thereto.

13. In a sealing machine, the combination of a sleeve, means for rotating said sleeve, a supporting member mounted on said sleeve, a plurality of spinning rollers mounted on said supporting member, a cam for raising and lowering said sleeve, a gear member operatively connected to each of said spinning rollers and a second cam for oscillating said gear members whereby said gear members move said spinning rollers inwardly to engage and seal a closure cap.

14. In a sealing machine, the combination of av rotating sleeve, a supporting member on the end of said sleeve, a plurality of spinning rollers mounted on said supporting member, a gear having spiral teeth thereon, gears operatively connected to said spinning rollers in mesh with said spiral gear, means for moving said spiral gear axially to move said rollers inwardly and outwardly, and means for rotating said spiral gear to determine the distance said rollers are moved inwardly and outwardly, thereby to accommodate Various sizes of containers.

15. In a sealing machine, the combination of a rotatable sleeve adapted to operate a sealing head, a gear secured toy said sleeveY having inclined teeth thereon adapted to position the.

spinning roller, a shaft mounted adjacent to said sleeve, a corresponding gear secured to said shaft adapted to engage said first gear, and an arm connected to said second shaft for supporting a spinning roller, said arm being adapted to `oscillate inwardly with respect to said shaft upon relative movement of said gear members.

16. In a sealing machine, theY combination of a rotatable shaft, a gear member secured to said shaft, a supporting member mounted on and rotatable with said shaft,- a plurality of stub shafts mounted on said supporting member, gear members secured to said stub shafts adapted to engage said first gear, and arms 'connected to said stub shafts having spinning rollers at the free ends thereof, said rollers being adapted to be moved into effective position upon relative movement of said gear members.

17. In a sealing machine, the combination of a rotatable sleeve, a gear secured to said sleeve having inclined teeth thereon, a plurality of shafts mounted adjacent to said sleeve, corresponding gear members secured to said shafts adapted to engage said inclined gear teeth, and means on said shafts for supporting spinningrollers adapted to'be moved into effective position at desired intervals by, relative movement of said gear members.

18. In a sealing machine, the combination of a supporting member mounted upon a rotatable shaft, a spinning roller, means operatively connecting said roller to said supporting member, gear members for oscillating said means, and means above said supporting member adapted to change the relative position of said gear mem- 10 bers whereby the effective oscillation of said roller may be adjusted.

19. In a cap spinning machine, the combination of a supporting member, a plurality of spinning rollers, means for supporting said rollers, gear lmembers operatively connected to said means, a rotatable gear adapted to engage said gear members to oscillate said' means and move said rollers inwardly, and means above said supporting member adaptedV to change the relative 204 positions of said gear members to determine the path of movement of said rollers for accommodating different sizes of articles.

20. In a capping machine, the combination of a rotatable shaft, a supporting member on said shaft, a plurality of spinning rollers, means for rotatably mounting said spinning rollers on said supporting member, gear members secured to said means, and a corresponding gear member secured to said shaft adapted Ito engage said gear 3o members and oscillate said spinning rollers, said supporting member being adjustably secured to said shaft to change the effective positions of said gear members and the initial and final positions of said rollers.

21. In a capping machine, the combination of a vertical rotatable drive shaft, a gear member of substantial width atl the upper end of said shaft, a column adjacent to said shaft, a rotatable sleeve slidable with respect to and supported by 0 said column, a second gear member secured to said sleeve adapted to engage said gear on said drive shaft, said second gear being narrower than the said first gear, a supporting member at the lower end of said sleeve, means for moving said head upwardly and downwardly with respect to said sleeve, spinning rollers mounted on said supporting member, and means for oscillating said spinning rollers into effective position when said head is moved downwardly, said gears being slidable with respect to each other and adapted to remain in engagement during relative vertical movement between said shaft and sleeve.

22. In a sealing machine, the combination of a rotatable drive shaft, a supporting head adjacent to said drive shaft, spinning means mounted upon said head, a cylindrical cam mounted on said drive shaft adapted to reciprocate said head in a vertical direction to drop it into effective sealing position, a second cam mounted above said first cam, and means operatively connecting said rollers to said second cam adapted to oscillate said spinning means with respect to said head.

23. In a sealing machine, the combination of a rotatable drive shaft, a supporting head operatively connected to said drive shaft, spinning means mounted upon said head, a cylindrical cam mounted on said drive shaft adapted to reciprocate said sealing head in a vertical direction, a second cam mounted above said first cam, means operatively connecting said spinning means and second cam adapted to oscillate said spinning means with respect to said head, and a clutch mechanism attached to said second cam adapted to engage said drive shaft to make said cams effective.

24. In a sealing machine, the combination of a rotating sealing means having spinning rollers thereon and inclined gears associated With said means for operating said rollers and for adjusting the position of said rollers by rotary movement or said gears, means for supporting a container beneath said sealing means, and means for moving one of said means relatively With' respect to the other oi said means to place said rollers in operative position. With respect to a cap on the container.

25. In a sealing machine, the combination of a supporting member, a plurality of spinning rollers mounted upon said supporting member, said spinning rollers being adapted to oscillate' inwardly to engage and seal a cap on a container, a gear axially movable to move said rollers` inwardly to seal a container and rotatably adjustableto position said rollers for diierent sizes of containers, a member for supporting a container and means for moving yone of said members toward the other of said members to place said rollers in sealing position with respect to the cap on the containers.

26. In a sealing machine, the combination of a rotatable sleeve, a member mounted on said sleeve, a plurality of spinning rollers, shafts on said member for supporting said rollers, inclined gear segments on said shafts for oscillating said rollers, an inclined gear telescoped over said sleeve for operating said gear segments, a supporting member for mounting said gear on said sleeve, said sleeve being rotatable with respect to said last member, a gear secured to said sleeve, and a second gear carried by said last member engaging the gear secured to the sleeve, said second gear being adapted tof be rotated to rotate said first gear, said last member and said inclined gear to 4:bange the circumferential position of said inclined gear With respect to said gear segments.

27. In a sealing machine, the combination of a rotatable sleeve, a member mounted on said sleeve, spinning rollers supported by said member having gear segments operatively connected' thereto, a gear for engaging said gear segments, a collar for supporting said gear, a second collar secured to said rst collar having circumferential slots therein, and bolts extending through said slots and threaded into said first collar to attach said collars together, said bolts being adapted to be loosened to move said collars circumferentially with respect to each other,

to change the circumferential position of said 4 gear with respect -to said gear segments.

28. In a sealing machine, the combination of a supporting member mounted upon a rotatable shaft, sealing devices operatively mounted on said member, gear members operatively connected to said sealing devices, a gear for engaging said gear members to move said sealing devices into and out of effective position, a collar for supporting said gear, 1and a second collar connected to said first collar, said collars being adapted to be moved circumferentially with respect to each other to adjust the relative position of said gear with respect to said gear members.

ABRAHAM PODEL. 

